The first-gen Toyota MR2 has always been a bit of an oddball favorite for those who like their sports cars light, nimble, and a little left-field. This 1989 Supercharged MR2 takes that formula and dials it up: mid-engine, factory-blown 1.6-liter four, and a color combo straight out of the late ’80s—pearl white over burgundy velour. Throw in a handful of engine mods, a fresh powertrain rebuild, and a five-speed manual, and you’ve got a car with 199,000 miles that’s still ready to party. It’s up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, no reserve.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
According to Classic.com, the going rate for a supercharged first-gen MR2 (W10) hovers around $20,456. Recent sales have bounced between $14,900 and $27,500, with the average deal landing just under $20k. The latest one changed hands for $18,500. All these numbers cover the 1986-1989 supercharged models.
Right now, there are four supercharged MR2s up for grabs on Classic.com. One’s a 1988 with 133,000 miles and a stick, asking $23,000. Another is a 1989 with 112,000 miles, listed at $24,995. Of course, those are just wishful thinking from sellers, but they give us a ballpark.
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This particular car has considerably more mileage, although its 2026 engine rebuild and documented mechanical work could help offset that. I would estimate its reasonable value at around $15,000 to $20,000, subject to an inspection and verification of the work performed. Its current $11,000 bid is below that range, with the auction still having several days remaining.
Condition and Details
This MR2 rocks pearl white paint over burgundy velour—yes, it’s as ‘80s as it sounds. It started life in gloss white before getting a pearl makeover in the late ‘90s. You get pop-up headlights, T-top roof panels you can stash on sunny days, and the Aerodynamic Spoiler Package, which means a rear wing, side skirts, and mudguards. It rolls on classic 14-inch basketweave wheels.
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Pop the rear hatch, and you’ll find a supercharged, intercooled 1.6-liter 4A-GZE that got a full rebuild in 2026. The builder didn’t mess around: CP pistons, King bearings, HKS cams, TRD header, and a tweaked supercharger pulley. There’s also an A’PEXi SAFC II, RobTune GruntBox, and Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator. The dyno says 155 horsepower and 166 lb-ft at the wheels—up from the factory’s 145 horses and 140 lb-ft at the crank.
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Power heads to the rear wheels via an E51 five-speed manual. The clutch, release bearing, hydraulics, and fuel pump are all fresh. It’s got KYB shocks and recently sorted steering and suspension bits. Not everything’s perfect, though: there’s rust lurking around the left-rear wheel well and left-front fender, a cracked dash, lazy power windows, and a power antenna that only sort of works. You do get some service records, engine rebuild pics, dyno sheets, and a clean Carfax to sweeten the deal.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 Supercharged (AW11) |
| Year | 1989 |
| Mileage | 199,000 miles |
| Engine | Supercharged 1.6-liter 4A-GZE inline-four |
| Power | 155 horsepower, 166 lb-ft (wheel output) |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive, mid-engine layout |
| Exterior color | Pearl White |
| Interior color | Burgundy Velour |
Interested in this Toyota MR2? View the listing here.
What Makes the Toyota MR2 Unique
The AW11 MR2 is a bit of a legend in Toyota’s performance lineup. When it landed in 1984, it gave buyers a shot at a mid-engine sports car without breaking the bank. It’s small, light, rear-wheel drive, and has that unmistakable ‘80s wedge shape with pop-up headlights—pure retro charm.
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The supercharged 4A-GZE engine cranked things up a notch. Paired with the mid-engine setup and a manual box, it made for a package that still gets JDM fans excited today. That rare factory supercharger is a big part of what makes this car special.
Final Thoughts
This 1989 Toyota MR2 Supercharged is not an original low-mileage survivor. Instead, it offers period styling, a factory-supercharged engine, and substantial recent mechanical work. Its engine rebuild is encouraging, although buyers should still verify the modifications and inspect the car’s condition.
I’d call it a $15,000 to $20,000 car, factoring in the miles, mods, and all the recent work. With the bid at $11,000, there’s still room to move. If you’re after a standout AW11, this auction is definitely worth watching.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog